Edinburgh's best cocktail bars

Edinburgh’s cocktail bartenders seem to strive to outdo one another in creating imaginative new drinks and in both terms of its bars and cocktails, this city punches well above its relatively small size.

Follows our pick of Edinburgh's best cocktail bars, listed according to whether they are in Old Town or New Town:

The Old Town

Devil's Advocate9 Advocate's Close (off Royal Mile), Edinburgh, EH1 1NDFrom the same stable as Bon Vivant (see below) comes the Devil's Advocate, a superb bar and restaurant situated in the historical Old Town, just off the Royal Mile in a modernised Victorian pump house. Although in the heart of the tourist district it is tucked safely away from the main drag - down the steep steps of Advocate's Close.Difford's Guide rating: 5/5 [Devil's Advocate info & review]

Monteiths57-61 High Street (Royal Mile), Edinburgh, EH1 1SA fairy-lit passageway off the Royal Mile leads to this semi- subterranean bar and restaurant which offers a good beer and wine menu, great cocktails and some very tasty "Grazing" snacks such as Haggis Bon Bons.Difford's Guide rating: 4.5/5 [Monteiths info & review]

The Bon Vivant55 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DYBon Vivant is a charming little place with the feel of an old-fashioned tea-shop but a modern European food menu, a good wine list and some of the very best cocktails in Edinburgh. Defined as 'a person who enjoys the good things in life, especially good food and drink' this is truly a bar for Bon Vivants.Difford's Guide rating: 5/5 [Bon Vivant info & review]

Bramble Bar & Lounge16A Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JETo quote owner Jason Scott, "Named for Dick Bradsell's modern classic cocktail, Bramble is by name as Bramble is by nature: uncomplicated, inventive and downright tasty." This unpretentious little semi-subterranean bar has been at the forefront of the Edinburgh cocktail scene since its inception in 2008.Difford's Guide rating: 4.5/5 [Bramble info & review]

Bryant & Mack Private Detectives Cocktail Bar87-89 Rose Street North Lane, Edinburgh, EH2 3DTNamed after co-owners Ross Bryant and Jason Cormack, their tiny speakeasy-styled bar has seating is for a mere 20 or so. This, along with a no standing policy, may mean you have to persevere to secure a table. However, you'll be rewarded with tasty classically styled cocktails.Difford's Guide rating: 4.5/5 [Bryant & Mack info & review]

Nightcap Restaurant & Bar3 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3EBSpread across two floors, Nightcap offers a great mix of cocktails and food - both served until 1am. Head downstairs and be sure to have the chicken wings washed down with a signature Nightcap Cocktail.Difford's Guide rating: 4/5 [Nightcap info & review]

The Voyage of Buck29-31 William Street North East Lane, Edinburgh, EH3 7NFThis dimly lit, pub-like space has a broad offering from cask ales to cocktails, and breakfast through to dinner. Both food and cocktails are well regarded.Difford's Guide rating: 4/5 [Voyage of Buck info & review ]